Governor Mitch Daniels has proclaimed September 5-13, 2009 as Coast Week in the State of Indiana, and invites all citizens to duly note the occasion!

The Lake Michigan Coastal Program and several other organizations are working together to sponsor a wide variety of events to celebrate the diversity and splendor of the Lake Michigan Coastal Region. Wherever you're interests lie, there is sure to be an activity or two that you'll find interesting and exciting. We look forward to sharing the wonders of our Lake Michigan Coastal Region with you!

Note: Additions to the calendar will be made frequently, so be sure to check back often!

Click on the map below to learn more about an event


Saturday 9/5

Sunday 9/6

Monday 9/7

Tuesday 9/8

Wednesday 9/9

Thursday 9/10

Friday 9/11

Saturday 9/12

Sunday 9/13
5th Annual Gary Clean Water Celebration - Marquette Park, Area 5 (near the Lagoons) - 11 a.m. Trail Creek Fun Float - Washington Park - 10 a.m.  The Care and Feeding of an Indiana State Park - DSP - 10 a.m. Purdue Calumet Seminar - 6:30 p.m. "Shipwreck Tales of the Great Lakes" - Merrillville Library - 7PM Purdue Calumet Seminar - 6:30 p.m. Artist Couple Painting Exhibit - Marquette Mall - 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 2nd Annual Family Fun Bike Ride - Save the Dunes - 8 a.m. Michigan City Farmers Market - 8th & Washington St. - 8:30 a.m.- noon
Labor Dayz Festival - Washington Park, bands - crafts - etc Labor Dayz Festival - Washington Park, bands - crafts - etc Labor Dayz Festival - Washington Park, bands - crafts - etc Artist Couple Painting Exhibit - Marquette Mall - 8:30 a.m. - 4;40 p.m. Artist Couple Painting Exhibit - Marquette Mall - 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Interpretive Beach Walk -Save the Dunes - 6:00 p.m. Michigan City Farmers Market - 8th & Washington St. - 8:30 a.m. - noon Dunes History Hike - DSP - 10 a.m.  Tribute to David Langley - Lubeznik Center for the Arts, Michigan City
Artist Couple Painting Exhibit - Marquette Mall - 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Artist Couple Painting Exhibit - Marquette Mall - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Artist Couple Painting Exhibit - Marquette Mall - 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Michigan City Farmers Market - 8th & Washington St. - 8:30 a.m. - noon Michigan City Farmers Market - 8th & Washington St. - 8:30 a.m. - noon Artist Couple Painting Exhibit - Marquette Mall - 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tribute to David Langley - Lubeznik Center for the Arts, Michigan City Tragedy Beneath the Waves - DSP - 2 p.m. Odyssey Arts & Cultural Events Series - Purdue University North Central - University Hours
Michigan City Farmers Market - 8th & Washington St. - 8:30 a.m. - noon Michigan City Farmers Market - 8th & Washington St. - 8:30 a.m. - noon Michigan City Farmers Market - 8th & Washington St. - 8:30 a.m. - noon Tribute to David Langley - Lubeznik Center for the Arts, Michigan City Tribute to David Langley - Lubeznik Center for the Arts, Michigan City Michigan City Farmers Market - 8th & Washington St. - 8:30 a.m. - noon Odyssey Arts & Cultural Events Series - Purdue University North Central - University Hours Artist Couple Painting Exhibit - Marquette Mall - 10 a.m. 4 p.m. Volunteer Hands-on Event Invasive Species Management - Hobart Prairie Grove, Hobart - 2PM-5PM
Tribute to David Langley - Lubeznik Center for the Arts, Michigan City Tribute to David Langley - Lubeznik Center for the Arts, Michigan City Tribute to David Langley - Lubeznik Center for the Arts, Michigan City Odyssey Arts & Cultural Events Series - Purdue University North Central - University Hours Odyssey Arts & Cultural Events Series - Purdue University North Central - University Hours Tribute to David Langley - Lubeznik Center for the Arts, Michigan City Seed Collection - Cressmoor Prairie, Hobart - 9 a.m.- noon Michigan City Farmers Market - 8th & Washington St. - 8:30A -12PM  
Odyssey Arts & Cultural Events Series - Purdue University North Central - University Hours Odyssey Arts & Cultural Events Series - Purdue University North Central - University Hours Odyssey Arts & Cultural Events Series - Purdue University North Central - University Hours   Calumet Trail Clean-Up - Kemil Beach -noon -4 p.m. Odyssey Arts & Cultural Events Series - Purdue University North Central - University Hours   Tribute to David Langley - Lubeznik Center for the Arts, Michigan City  
  County Minstrels (stories & songs of the Great Lakes) - Westchester Public Library Service Center, Chesterton - 2 p.m. Discover Your Coast… Discover Geocaching! - Coordinates for start point are N 41.634000 W087.053900 - 8 a.m.         Odyssey Arts & Cultural Events Series - Purdue University North Central - University Hours  
              31st Annual Popcorn Festival, Downtown Valparaiso - 7 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.  
              Learn about Boreal Flatwoods - lunch provided -10 a.m. - 3 p.m.  

Event Name
Volunteer Hands-on Event Invasive Species Management 
Event Description
Glossy Buckthorn is threatening our forests, wetlands, native plants, wildlife and our lakes and rivers. We are looking for 20-25 volunteers to help combat Glossy Buckthorn in the Hobart Prairie Grove. The Hobart Prairie Grove is part of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Volunteers can learn about invasive plants, their threat to our natural parks and what work is underway to control them. You will be asked to help cut, lop and remove Glossy Buckthorn saplings. Handsaws and lopping shears will be provided. Meet at Robinson Lake Park parking lot located at 53rd and Liverpool in Hobart at 2pm CST.
Contact Person
Laura Thompson with the National Park Service
Contact Information
laura_thompson@nps.gov
Event Date
9/13
Event Time
2-5pm CST 
Location
For mapping purposes, the coordinates for the 9/13 Hobart Prairie Grove Informational/ Educational event are: 41.5219551, -87.3069548


Event Name
Labor Dayz Festival
Event Description
Three stages of entertainment, arts and crafts, a large variety of food, and amusement rides await you at the Annual Labor Dayz Festival. Labor Dayz does not charge an entry fee. Parking fees apply.
Event Date
9/4 - 9/7/09
Contact Information
(219) 874-3630 or info@michigancityfestival.com
Location
Washington Park, 6 on the Lake, Michigan City


Event Name
Artist Couple Painting Exhibit
Event Description
These are rewarding paintings to experience with a built-in promise by Tom Brand and Carole Stodder that bring the viewer back to look again and again.  In their complexity, they are full of references and imagery that reward the viewer. - Admission is free.
Contact Person
Tom Brand or Carole Stodder
Contact Information
(219) 879-9064 or brandart@comcast.net
Event Date
8/7 - 9/12
Location
Marquette Mall, 4073 S Franklin St, Michigan City


Event Name
Michigan City Farmers Market
Contact Person
Janet Kostileney
Contact Information
(219) 363-1407 or info@mcmainstreet.com
Event Date
5/2 - 10/31/09
Event Time
8:30 am - 12 pm (or sell-out)
Location
8th and Washington Street, Michigan City


Event Name
Tribute to David Langley Watercolor Show
Event Description
Renowned watercolor artist David Langley having painted landscapes since his youth, turned full-time to watercolors featuring the water, beaches, boats and skies of the Lake Michigan shores. Over the last thirty years, his palettes grew in intensity; his scenes sparkles with light.
Event Sponsor
IDNR- SPR- Indiana Dunes State Park
Contact Person
Carolyn Saxton
Contact Information
(219) 874-4900 or visit www.lubeznikcenter.org
Event Date
8/1 - 10/11/09
Event Time
Tu-Fr 10AM-5PM; Sa and Su 11AM-4PM (closed Mondays)


Event Name
Odyssey Arts and Cultural Events Series
Event Description
A multi-piece contemporary sculpture exhibit on the Purdue University North Central Campus. The series features a number of events throughout the year, including exhibits of art, film showings, and presentations. Self-guided tours of the sculptures can occur during university hours.
Contact Information
www.pnc.edu/odyssey
Event Date
1/1 - 12/31/09
Event Time
University hours
Location
Purdue University North Central, 1401 S US Hwy 421, Westville


Event Name
Gary Clean Water Celebration
Event Description
The 5th annual Gary Clean Water Celebration is an activity of the Gary Storm Water Management District’s Public Education and Outreach Program. The day-long event will include lots of fun and educational activities for youth and adults promoting clean water, including free canoe paddling training and canoeing on the Lagoon, fishing education, water quality information booths/exhibits, an art activity, bird banding, kiting, nature therapy and fitness, face painting, entertainment, and refreshments. Everyone who pledges for clean water will receive a free gift. Bring your fishing equipment and/or kite to participate in those activities.– No reservation is required, open to all
Contact Person
Dorreen Carey or Brenda Scott Henry
Contact Information
Dcarey@ci.gary.in.us, Bscotthenry@aol.com
Event Date
9/5/09
Event Time
11 am
Registration Required - Yes/No
No
Recommended Equipment
Fishing equipment and/or kite, if desired
Location
Marquette Park, Near the Lagoons, Area 5


Event Name
Trail Creek Fun Float
Event Description
paddling will take place along Trail Creek - The Fun Float has been a part of Coast Week events for the past several years. This year members of the newly organized Northwest Indiana Paddling Association (NWIPA) will be in attendance. There is a $10 registration fee for this event to cover the cost of lunch which will be provided to each participant at the Friendship Garden midway point. Canoe and kayakers of any (or no) experience level are invited to participate in the Fun Float. If this is your first time on the water others will be there to help you out. Take a leisurely trip along Trail Creek and enjoy the scenery. Reservations are required, open to all.
Contact Person
Danielle Barnett
Contact Information
dbarnett@idem.in.gov
Event Date
9/6/09
Event Time
10am
Registration Required - Yes/No
Yes
Location
Michigan City, Washington Park
Additional Information
$10 registration fee that will cover lunch


Event Name
Discover Your Coast… Discover Geocaching!
Event Description
The Geocaching Event will be part of the Indiana Coast Week activities. Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment -
The coordinates for the start point for this event: N 41.634000 W 087.053900
Contact Person
Julie Neiner
Contact Information
jneiner@hotmail.com
Event Date
9/7/09
Event Time
8 am


Event Name
The Care and Feeding of an Indiana State Park
Event Description
The Indiana Dunes State Park works to protect the natural and cultural resources in the park. This hike will explore some of the resource management techniques used in the park to protect and restore the natural landscape. No reservation is required, open to all.
Event Sponsor
Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center
Contact Person
Brad Bumgardner
Contact Information
Bbumgardner@dnr.IN.gov
Event Date
9/7/09
Event Time
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM


Event Name
Purdue University Calumet Seminar
Event Description
Two evening seminars will take place at The Conference Center at Purdue University Calumet, Hammond. One seminar will focus on the cultural and natural history of the area. The second seminar, yet to be determined will have a focus on water quality or quantity. No reservation required, open to all.
Contact Person
Leslie Dorworth
Contact Information
dorworth@calumet.purdue.edu
Event Date
9/8 and 9/10/09
Event Time
6:30 pm
Registration Required - Yes/No
No


Event Name
Calumet Trail Clean-Up
Event Description
Grapevine Removal on the Calumet Trail near Kemil Beach. More details to come. - No reservation required.
Contact Person
Kris Krouse
Contact Information
land@heinzetrust.org
Event Date
9/9/09
Event Time
12 - 4 pm
Registration Required - Yes/No
No
Location
Kemil Beach, west side of Kemil Beach Road on the Calumet Beach Trail


Event Name
"Shipwreck Tales of the Great Lakes"
Event Description
Speakers will be Chris Kohl & Joan Forsberg from the Underwater Archaeological Society of Chicago - No reservation is required, open to all.
Contact Person
Jennifer Burnison
Contact Information
jburnison@lcplin.org
Event Date
9/9/09
Event Time
7 pm
Location
Lake County Public Library - Merrillville Library


Event Name
Seed collection at Cressmoor Prairie and Division of Nature Preserves Hobart Heritage Prairie
Contact Person
Kris Krouse
Contact Information
land@heinzetrust.org
Event Date
9/11/09
Event Time
9 am - 12 pm
Reservation Required - Yes/No
No
Location
Hobart, IN (1/4 mile South of 37th Ave on Lake Park Avenue)


Event Name
Learn about Boreal Flatwoods
Event Description
Come learn about exotic species removal in a boreal flatwoods complex. There will be a seminar and training on the removal of exotic species. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to learn about the rich natural value of a boreal flatwoods complex that is very unique to this region. Lunch will be provided. No reservation required .
Contact Person
Kris Krouse
Contact Information
land@heinzetrust.org
Event Date
9/12/09
Event Time
10 am - 3 pm


Event Name
(self-guided tours anytime you choose) - Interpretative Beach Walk
Event Description
Come on a free interpretative sunset beach walk and learn about the diverse historical and natural resources you are fortunate to enjoy in just a short stretch of beach from the new Portage Lakefront Site (PLS) to West Beach. A guided or self-guided tour will point out important features of the PLS, as well as historic points of interest, including a mysterious shipwreck and information about the legendary figure "Diana of the Dunes." Participants will also learn about the courageous efforts of citizens who worked to establish the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore; as well as how the dunes and beach are being impacted by sand starvation and invasive species. No reservation required, open to all.
Contact Person
Anita Seidelman
Contact Information
anita@savedunes.org
Event Date
9/10/09
Event Time
6 - 7:30 pm
Location
Portage Lakefront Site Pavilion


Event Name
31st Annual Popcorn Festival
Event Description
Valparaiso is where Orville Redenbacher started his Popcorn empire. Our parade is home to the first Popcorn Parade where all entries are required to incorporate popcorn! More than 200 arts & crafts booths, including our Fine Art row with artists from all over the Chicagoland area, 40 food vendors, 2 stages of music, Popcorn Panic run/walk, and Kid's Activities area. Shuttle available on the North and South ends of town.
Contact Information
popcorn@popcornfest.org
Event Date
9/12/09
Event Time
7 am - 6:30 pm
Location
Courthouse Square, downtown Valparaiso


Event Name
2nd Annual Family Fun Bike Ride
Event Description
Meet at the Picnic Pavilion - Enjoy a bike ride through the dunes of Miller and the beautiful Marquette Trail; then stay and enjoy a complimentary boxed lunch sponsored by a local sandwich shop. To be held rain or shine, the ride will start and end at historic Marquette Park. There are two routes to chose from - the shortest one being 7 miles. Meet at the picnic pavilion; parking is free. The fee is $15 per adult; $10 per child with the option for you to obtain sponsored miles. All proceeds will support Save the Dunes' land acquisition and stewardship program. - Reservations are preferred to ensure that supplies will be available.
Contact Person
Anita Seidelman
Contact Information
anita@savedunes.org
Event Date
9/12/09
Event Time
8 am - 12 pm
Reservations Required - Yes/No
Preferred to ensure enough supplies will be available
Location
Marquette Park, Gary, IN
Additional Information
Fee is $15/adult; $10/child with the option to obtain sponsored miles. All proceeds will support Save the Dunes


Event Name
Dunes History Hike
Event Description
As part of the Indiana Dunes State Park "History Comes Alive Weekend", special tours will be offered to highlight the unique history of the Indiana Dunes. Topics range from Native American Camps, Civil War Guard Towers, and early settlement towns. The hike will end at a special French fur trading re-enactment provided by the Ouitotenon Brigade at the state park beach. Total hike time approx 1 hour. - No reservation is required, open to all.
Contact Person
Brad Bumgardner
Contact Information
Bbumgardner@dnr.IN.gov
Event Date
9/12/09
Event Time
10 am
Reservations Required - Yes/No
No
Location
Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center


Event Name
Tragedy Beneath the Waves
Event Description
Just beyond the shores of Indiana Dunes State Park lies one of the most tragic shipwreck disasters in Indiana waters. This indoor program will introduce visitors to the story of the J.D. Marshall. Real artifacts will be used, and an optional car pool tour to point out where she lies will be offered. - No reservation is required, open to all.
Contact Person
Brad Bumgardner
Contact Information
Bbumgardner@dnr.IN.gov
Event Date
9/12/09
Event Time
2 pm
Reservations Required - Yes/No
No
Location
Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center


Event Name
County Minstrels (stories & songs of the Great Lakes)
Event Description
Lake Michigan has been the inspiration for a wonderful variety of songs and stories. Join the County Minstrels as they perform historic songs and stories with their unique yet traditional sound. - No reservation is required, open to all.
Contact Person
LuAnne DePriest
Contact Information
(219) 983-9715
Event Date
9/6/09
Event Time
2 pm
Location
Westchester Public Library Service Center, 100 W. Indiana Avenue, Chesterton



For General Tourism and Hotel Accommodation Information  

LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau http://www.laportecountycvb.com/

Porter County Convention Recreation & Visitors Commission http://www.casualcoast.com/home.aspx

Lake County Convention and Visitors Bureau http://www.alllake.org/